Reviews

No surprise that this bottle represents some of the rarest brandy being sold at any price point. Not only is it from 70 years old stocks, a rarity in and of itself, but we're also talking about a war vintage and therefor one of the lowest production periods for the region. The Germans headed for Gascogne pretty early and by the end they were simply living off the local products as their supply chains broke down. That means regularly raiding farms for food and of course drink. Total liberation of the area did not occur until later in 1945, but by May of that year it must have been clear that things were about to change. What had started as the 5th harvest under occupation would end with France liberated and a plentiful, now legendary vendage. Nonetheless, precious few liters of Armagnac remain from the years of occupation, so this bottle is truly as special as it gets. Expect a massively rich nose of polished mahogany, dried plums, flinty earth and exotic spices. The palate is seamless and still lively, with wonderful balance of alcohol over the layers of deep dark fruit and spicy earthy aromas. Soft like the finest down, smooth like quantum stabilized atomic mirror. It is without a doubt in a class of it's own. If you want the ultimate trump card for winning the gift game at a 70th birthday party or simply want to own a piece of history that you can physically consume, this is the bottle for you.

BOOOOOOM GOES THE DYNAMITE! Without question the finest flavored rum in the world. Start with awesome funky rum, add a centuries-old recipe exactingly recreated by the good people of Plantation, and you've got a product that will rule your bar for the foreseeable future. Heady and intense, yet subtle and overtly pleasurable, not for your typical flavored rum fans, but a must own for all bar/cocktail people. YOU HAVE NO EXCUSE!

The magnificent Gordon & Macphail's is famous for their incredible stocks of wonderful old whisky. They're a merchant bottler that's been in Elgin for over 200 years, and that means they've got relationships with the region's top distilleries that go back just as long. For some time they were indeed the official bottler of several famous distilleries whose operations rarely included proper bottling lines. Now, Gordon & Macphail, thanks to these age-old relationships, has some old stocks that even the distilleries themselves do not own. Rest assured that Macallan has tried countless times to purchase these stocks back from G&M, no doubt to repackage in crystal and sell upwards of $10k. While the prices from the venerated merchant have gone up they still destroy the distillery's OB offerings, while maintaining a level of quality and consistency that is non-existent in the competition's independent bottlings from this special distillery. Anyway, if you're seriously considering dropping the coin for a OB Mac 25 year, this bottle should make you reconsider that decision, because while it may not have the flashy Bentley exterior, you can be sure that it's got a massive Rolls-Royce jet engine under the hood.

Despite some grumblings regarding a distillery change (yes Rittenhouse was made under contract by Brown-Forman for years after Heaven Hill's Bardstown plant burned down in the late 90s) Rittenhouse remains the ultimate value for all bartending needs. It might not kick like a Willett Single Barrel Rye, but there's still very little in the price range that will make a better Manhattan, in fact I can't think of one thing.

The wonderful Renaud wines are proof again that the Macon is producing some of the finest value-driven whites in France. Beautiful Chardonnay that anyone can appreciate, the St-Veran really had something for everyone. Ultra clean and light-medium body. The nose is wild pomace fruit and crushed rock. The palate brings in some orange skinned fruits, great structure, and a freshing acidity. The St-Veran is about as good as it gets for low/no oak Chard under $20. A beautiful southern counterpoint to the wonderful wines from the other end of Burgundy.

The entry level Renaud wines are always such a pleasure. Wonderful stainless steal Chard, usually a little ripe and fatter, but this year both the Solutree and the Charnay are vivacious and totally satisfying. The Charnay is differentiated by a slightly more advanced citrus (tangerine?) and a tiny lactic note. A wonderful value for anyone looking for no oak Chard.

Lively and refreshing the Solutre from Renaud is another triumph of the Maconnaise. Crispy and ultra clean, this one is slightly less fruity than its sibling from Charnay. Slight yellow flower (honeysuckle?) and green Anjou pear on the nose, with a steely minerality providing lift on the palate. Top notch Chard by any standard and another stupid good value from our friends at Domaine Renaud.

Double the Black, Double the Pleasure! Many many Johnnie drinkers don't realize that Johnnie Black is really quite a smokey little blend. Using Diageo's workhorse peated malts (Caol Ila & Talisker) they've crafted an even smokier version of the world's most popular whisky. Add a secondary aging in alligator charred oak barrels (stripped down and re-charred most likely), and imagine that someone has taken your Johnnie Black and turned it up to eleven. You see? This one goes to eleven.

As with the entry level offering, Clos De L'Anhel is seriously one of the most exciting finds in Languedoc we've had for many years. Wines made with incredible thoughtfulness and finesse, they walk that incredibly thin line between earthy complexity, and open fruity richness. The Terrassettes shows more meaty funkiness than it's entry level sibling, but stays lifted with a great herbal/garrigue quality, and well structured backbone. Not hard or tannic, but screaming for air. DECANT DECANT DECANT!

As with the other Anhel wines, it's obviously made with great care and thoughtfulness. A true "vin de garde," I mean this truly has some world class potential behind the dense plush fruit. With just a few years in your cellar, I imagine this wine will likely be one of the most complex and versatile wines you've ever experienced under $25. K&L is killing it with the Anhel wines, again and again.

The Italian classic has been making a comeback recently and deservedly so. Bottled at a laughable 11%, Aperol backs all the punch of its big brother Campari without the headache in the morning (i.e. less alcohol and less sugar). That said you can also drink it for 6 hours straight without realizing you've just had 25 drinks so please be careful. Traditionally served in a Spritz, add 2-3 oz of Aperol to a glass full of ice. Top with Prosecco and an orange slice. Enjoy over and over!

Beware the Branca. The single most habit forming substance in our store. Plan on either hating this or never looking back. After that, expect to need a bottle in the house at all times. In spite of those truths, it is wildly utilitarian should you choose to use it that way. Very few more powerful digestives are available. Maybe you should just buy a case and get it over with.

Many are aware of our affection for this wonderful new distillery on Islay. This, being their entry level product, deserves to be a benchmark. If nothing else it should provide a wonderful education for any Islay lover. What happens when you put Ardbeg spec barley into steel fermenters and Kilchoman's tall little still? Add an ultra fine heart cut and a thoughtful wood management program and you've got truly soulful whisky that's still Islay in every way. Proof positive that great whisky need not be old. Zesty and full of oceany brine, the peat at this age stands up and smacks you right across the face. Sweet malt and mild rancio notes whisper in, but one does not forget the rugged shoreline just below the farm where this whisky was distilled. A pleasure, to say the least.

Sweet sweet Trinidad Rum. After stopping there on the way to Guyana - I'm totally enamored with the odd little Island. Eating halal potato pie and hot doubles doused in scorpion pepper sauce from an awesome acrobatic street vendor and sippin' aged dark rum, what could be better? Zaya is a blended of several distilled, of course, by the Trinidad Distillers Limited. Their stocks, which are considerable to say the least, are the only Trinidian Rum being produced today. Some may know the lively and bright Angostura products, also produced by TDL, but here ultra dark sweetness, soft spice, and powerful vanilla flavors are the name of the game. This heady blend is one of the top rums in the store. If you like the sweeter style of dark rum, you'll undoubtedly love what Zaya has to offer, especially for the spectacularly low price point.

Stupendous and affordable barrel aged gin. This what the Dry Rye was dreaming of being. The malted rye and juniper flavors marry perfectly with the sweet spice and tannic structure of the oak. The magnificent texture of the Dry Rye, its most striking attribute, is only heightened by the additional time in oak. A truly unique gin that will scratch that whiskey itch as well.

The exquisite 2012 Voge wines are making high-end French Syrah look cool again. Also our buyers are getting a killer price on this stuff and I can't imagine it will last long. The lieu-dit Les Chailles is a near equal to the more expensive VV bottling. Deep black and blue fruits pointed by dark earth and waxy anethol. Tannins are taught and pure, adding incredibly complex layers as the wine closes with a fresh minty tang. Graceful yet full of gumption. Totally delicious, decant decant decant.

Tasting the Voge wines is always a treat and the old vine is no exception. Bold and uninhibited, the 2012 Voge is a triumph. It's clearly in the very early stages of it's developement, but offering a window into its ultimate maturity. While it certainly deserves several years in your cellar - I imagine we'll all have trouble keeping our hands off this stuff once tasted. Expect powerful black fruit, almost Chambord like, with herbal earthy sunbaked garrigue. The sweet herbal fruit continues on the palate, ultra polished despite the power, and oak intergration is very good considering the youth. The tannins are big, but not edgy and the sweet aromatics bely the wonderful juicy acidity. A true Vin de Garde, as in -get as much as you can possibly afford.

What a magnificent find from out French Regional buyer Keith. The Anhel wines are absolutely filled with character, proof positive that they are made by a wonderfully caring and thoughtful person. Depth, complexity but not conformity, the LOLO is their entry level and delivers well beyond the price point. I would highly encourage a nice long decant for this wine, not because it's particularly closed or tannic, but the wine has so much life an hour in a decanter and you're only scratching the surface. Wildly complex for the price, serve with all grilled things, burgers, steak, and eventually will be the perfect cool weather sipper as well. You should own cases of this...

Fun, classically Bordeaux New Zealand SB/Sem blend of the highest order. Musk, funky, melon, tropical fruit. Slight hints of savoriness and jalapeños, but in the most inviting and subtle way. Palate is Meyer lemon and candied guava all the way. The finish is crisp, dry and persistent. Te Mata is one of NZ's most exciting properties and this proves again that we're very, very lucky to represent them stateside.

This is like the Screaming Eagle of Hawke's Bay, so why the hell do we have the US exclusive? Any why the hell is it so inexpensive? These are not the important questions. Basically you're getting top-tier wine, I mean like Lafite/Latour level quality, for the price of a standard Napa Cab. While not as old school as the wonderful Awatea for twice the price, this is a legendary wine that deserves to be in the best collections regardless of the extremely affordable price.

Old school in the best way. An amazing value that will tickle the fancy of serious Bordeaux fans as well as the more adventurous international wine lovers. Structured and complex with strong notes of wild dark berries, eucalyptus/mint, gravel and spice. Powerful pepper and wonderful texture. Needs some time to let its full potential unfold, but this is something we should all be buying by the case. Can't have enough around.

This wonderful wine was one of the biggest surprises of the tasting. Mclaren Vale is a complex region and we tend to pigeonhole all Australian wine as overly extracted and hyper manipulated. This, however, for me captures the essence of Grenache in the Aussie context perfectly. Dense and dark in the glass, the nose has all the intensity of fruit you'd expect, but with a deep minty herbal quality to keep it balanced. The palate is vibrant, structured, earthy and complex. Gigondas adjacent and ultra pure expression of Grenache at an awesome price.

I'm a sucker for natural wines when done right, but I can appreciate the controversy that exists. Natural winemakers must rely on their good senses and an unending attention to detail to create viable wines. The worst are terrible, the best are transcendent. This, for me, captures the goal of natural wine making perfectly without alienating those who don't know or don't care about why it's so incredible that this wine is so SPECIAL. Get what I'm saying? It's just perfect Pinot at a great price. Kiwi meets Burgundy in the best way. In love...

Another fabulous value for Kiwi Pinot. This is deep powerful Pinot that will scratch the itch for most Cali Pinot drinkers, but not scare away those in love with more expressive terroir-driven style. Earthy, savory dark cherry, great structure with red and black fruit continuing on the palate. Pure and structured, this will easily improve over the next 2-3 years, but shows beautifully right now. For only $20, cases, dude, cases.

This is without a doubt the most exciting new product from Balvenie since the wildly collectable Tun 1401 series. Now, what makes this so interesting, despite the full term in Sherry, is that they're bottling these without filtration at slightly higher proof. That means we've got the ultra rich oily texture that's so important for appreciating this special distillery. Of course, each cask is different, but every one I've tasted so far has been exceptional.

Slowly but surely usurping Macallan 18 Year as the go-to "Scotch Gift," especially now that Mac 18 is pushing toward $250 a bottle. People know the name, love the presentation, and generally think the spirit is one of the very best. This is just a no-brainer when buying a gift for ANYONE who likes Scotch, when you want to be different but don't want to scare anyone away. Clearly one of the top values for ultra-premium offerings from any of the great Speyside distilleries.

AWWWWWWWWWWWWWW BIG MAMA is back. We were worried that the Remy takeover of Bruichladdich would be the end of the availability of the Octomore line, but instead we've had easy access and lower prices. Amazing! This special whisky is smoked for days, to retain a higher level of phenol than any other whisky in the world. Something about the process, though, puts the Octomore in another league altogether. The depth of the spirit itself results in an incredibly rich and balanced whisky regardless of the massive PPM. Oily, intricate, brooding, and wild - Octomore is nothing like its smoky siblings from Islay. A truly unique spirit that must be tasted to be appreciated.

This wonderful low-rye bourbon is what Four Roses is all about. Unique yet utterly familiar. The OESV is a strain known for its bright freshness and balancing fruit tones. Less on the grainy spice and more about the barrel and fruits, we've got subtle red and dark black fruit on the nose framed around a core of sweet white oak. Good structure on the palate bringing those fruity tones to the front, diving back toward the woodsy forest floor flavors. Tons going on here, as we've come to expect.

The big mama of Irish Whiskey. This whisky used to be a ghost, and thank the whiskey gods that Pernod Ricard have found their way to releasing this more widely. Ultra-soft, with a strong influence of orange fruit from Malaga casks. The subtle sherry notes definitely remain behind the unusual tones of Spain's other coastal fortified wine. Persimmon, candied orange peel, cinnamon, clove - the ease and openness of this whiskey cannot be overstated. Some prefer the more familiar Green Spot, but this whiskey stands out among its peers as something very different and very, very special indeed.

This improbable product has been one of our most popular ultra premium offerings. Building on what others in the industry have done (with varying levels of success, e.g. Don Julio 70th Anniversary Anejo, Patron Platinum & Maestro Dobel). We're used to having aged rums filtered to remove color, but it's a much more striking process in a spirit like Tequila. The key to Casa Dragones' success in this unusual category or aged colorless agave spirit is the blending process. By blending Blanco and Extra Anejo, the spirit retains a freshness and intensity that is lost other similar products. Because Dragones uses lowland agave, we retain tons of spice and mineral despite the rich oakiness of the Extra Anejo. The two flavors work wonders and result in an utterly balanced product that retains character and provides similar complexity to the great sipping spirits from around the world. In addition, the elegant presentation makes it one of the best gifts for any lover of spirits regardless of taste or proficiency.

Ultra smooth blanco component from the wildly successful Casa Dragones Sipping Tequila Joven. The spicy black pepper and dark mineral notes are softened by a third distillation. Usually, I would avoid triple distilled Tequila because they tend to lack character, but this Blanco is definitely the exception to that rule of thumb. The result is a fruity, whimsical blanco, that provides good depth and structure thanks to the ultra high quality lowland fruit that's being used. Drinking Blanco is becoming cool again and this is one of the best options to get you away from the agaveless extra anejos that have become ubiquitous recently.

The third release in Springbank's well-received Longrow "RED" lineup. The port's sweet and savory fruit components work wonders on Longrow's ultra-powerful, deep, earthy smoke. Mushrooms in a raspberry reduction, anyone? Fresh cigar, mesquite, incense, strawberry, pepper--tons going on. A drop of water pulls everything together and tames this beast ever so slightly. All in all, the poignant Longrow spirit stands up very nicely to the rich sweetness of the fresh port casks.

The single most legendary American craft whiskey ever created. Yeah it's expensive as hell, but there ain't nothing like it...in HISTORY. Massive, over the top, intense, and awe inspiring. Don't even waste your time asking yourself why.

Fresh sherry and Springbank are a match made in heaven. Deep and powerful, this stuff isn't cheap, but it showcases the complexity of this special distillery when paired with the highest quality first-fill sherry butts. A solid bottling with slightly more availability than recent single barrel releases, and of equal or even better quality.

There is not a better extra anejo tequila on the market today, I can unequivocally say that without hesitation. This is the top of the top. Distilled from a special batch of the best agave in 1996. 4 years in barrel 15 years in glass, only mere moments before you finish your glass. It's unfair how good this is. Stock up if you care at all about your future.

Zacapa is the rum that changes peoples mind about rum. Distilled from partially processed Miel de Cana, the Zacapa Distillery is one of the highest altitude and highest quality rum distilleries in the world. Distinctly in the Spanish style, the special distillery near Tulula, creates rums of exceptional quality aged in the traditional solera style. Opulent and ultra rich, no question this should be in the running for world's greatest rum.

Let me be perfectly honest, I'm not that into the standard MM. It's an awesome whiskey, without a doubt, but over the years my palate has moved away from those sweet corny woodsy flavors and in search of deeper dryer products. The MMCS is without a doubt the most surprising new release of the year. Massive and significantly drier than the standard release, this is quickly becoming the go to wheater for lovers of PVW and other slightly drier style wheaters. I have no clue how or why JB decided to move forward with this product (way to out their for them with the small batch nature). I'm going to blame the Japanese for making the amazing decision to bottle this special product.

The wildly popular Caribbean cask was thought to be a thing of legend, but William Grant has heard the people and re-released this special offering at only a slight markup! When they say Caribbean, they mean a large Spanish-speaking island whose name I cannot mention. The result is perfect and utterly enticing. Sweet, rich and spicy notes from the rum envelop the oily Speyside character of the Balvenie spirit perfectly. A match made on a beach in the Caribbean, i.e. HEAVEN!

OBSF at nearly 12 years old? Yes please! This guy is all about the rye and the spice. The rye notes pop right out of the glass. Grainy, earthy, herbal and delicious we're in a pretty unusual territory for the OBSF. The palate stays super spicy, but subtle cooked fruits and sweet grains balance out the intensity. With air, it continues to expand and divulges a great deal more over the course of a glass. Another killer cask from our friends in Lawrenceburg.

This fabulous OBSV is from the distilleries flag ship recipe. Darker than the SK, with notes of freshly tanned leather and pepper. The broading intensity on the nose belies the softness on the tongue. A dried style with the grain and oak right up front. The finish adds rich layers of sweet herbs and subtle spices. No wonder OBSV is the house favorite at 4Rs.

This spectacular cask of OBSK from Four Roses is one of the most surprising we've had in a while. The flavors are reminiscent of an old style bourbon, something you'd experience from an old dusty bottle pulled out of your grandpa's attic. Deep dark nose of exotic woods. Slight lacquer/varnish note can't over power the intense caramelized sugar and maple syrup. The palate is incredibly open with no bitterness or bite. This is drinking bourbon at it's best. Don't think just drink.

I was pretty bummed to hear that the U.S. market would not be getting the 12 year Taketsuru any longer and skeptical that a no age statement replacement would be acceptable. I was wildly mistaken. While the 12 year seemed safe and predictable, there's something wild and untamed about the NAS. While it doesn't have an age, the supplier says it's around 10ish -- I do think it's got more depth and complexity than the whisky it replaces. Hopefully they'll be able to keep this in good supply 'cause this is solid drinking for a good price.

Nobody expected this goofy little whisky to explode the way it has. It's odd, but so inviting and unpretentious. Sure it's column distilled, but that doesn't mean it's any less flavorful than it's malted potstilled brothers. Just different. Candied melon, sweet oak, fresh sawdust, and peanuts. Medium bodied, with a pointed finish that really turns up the oak. Not only is this awesome Japanese (distinctly Japanese) Whisky, but it's also available and relatively affordable. Can't say that about many products out there right now. Get it, drink it, love it, repeat.

Lagavulin is a pillar. Without a doubt one of the most important distilleries in Scotland, it is the darling of Diageo and continues to crank out ultra high quality smoky malt year after year. Even though cranky critics like to lament how Lag 16 year doesn't taste like it used to, I've had it along side bottlings from the last 3 decades and I have to say, while the style is slightly different (OBE might be in play here), it without a doubt continues to be one of the most special whiskies on the market. Quality, flavor, and depth are unsurpassed at this price point (and our price point continues to be pretty seriously low all things considered). The Lagavulin is an oily best, rich and peaty, but with a balance that makes you itching to get the glass back up to your lips.

Often dubbed the "Royals Royce of Single Malt," the Macallan distillery continues to have one of the best reputations in the business. Of course with Scotch, a good reputation always equals a higher price! However, over the last several years as Macallan's competitors have chipped away at this behemoth of a brand, the lowly 12 year old hasn't really increased much in price. That means we're getting 100% sherry 12 year old whisky for Speyside's best regarded distillery for only $50. Is Macallan a value brand again? We see people selling young sherried malts of lesser quality for much much more than this. And it's taste good too.

German Gonzalez has become one of the most respected and important Distillers in Mexico. His work at Chinaco and his other projects have solidified him as one of the categories very best. He's partnered with our dear friend Enrique Fuenteseca to create the masterful product unlike anything else on the market. If German could improve his reputation anymore this was the product to do it. Originally created to be his private drinking stock, ultra limited amounts of the wild elixir are now available. The begin with agave at peak ripeness, hand selected by the master himself. After roasting in stone ovens and maceration, the aguamiel is fermented using German's proprietary yeast. This ultra slow fermentation allows for the deeps possible flavor. Double distillation on copper pot stills before being put into American oak barrels for at least 3 years. The exact aging regiment isn't totally clear, but we do know that after the initial aging it is transferred for at least another years in the following types of wood, French ex-Cognac, ex-Scotch, ex-Sherry. The final blend is a selection of those and maybe other types of wood all around 5 years. A stupendous example of what a skilled artisan when cost is no object. Really it's a pretty good deal for how incredible it is.

So what happens when one of Kentucky's most respected distillers source ultra high quality bourbon and finishes it in sweet Port wine casks, the bourbocalypse? Perhaps. But what's really going on here is one of the most successful examples of the potential of wine finishing in modern whiskey. Be it the Henderson's deft palate or their monumental experience - the Angel's Envy is unquestionably a sensation. Easy enough for you mom to love it, yet NOT boring in the slightest. The flavor profile is never dominated by the port, so it still tastes like bourbon, put the sweet rich flavors are there to enhance and envelop the already wonderful profile of the bourbon. The late Lincoln Henderson was clearly a genius and we know his legacy will be well looked after by the brands current custodians.

Big and bold is the best way to categorize this guy. Lower rye content doesn't stop this guy from being a peppery spice monster. Aromatics move between the spice and the exotic vanilla bean stuff. The palate is slightly more tame, with the oaky vanilla taking over before the spiciness kicks up again on the back end. Stupid good.

Bold and full bodied. The OBSO recipe (O,stands for 4Rs - B, the high rye mashbill - S, for Straight Bourbon - O for the fruity spicy yeast) is one of the most variable and interesting they have. IN this case the higher rye content of the mashbill provides a lovely spicy balance for the luscious red fruit flavors on the nose. This leans toward the almost caramelized sugar flavors. On the palate we have more tension. Spice, pepper, dark red fruits, maybe a bit of cocoa. Wonderful stuff to say the least.